Acta agriculturae slovenica, suplement 1(avgust 2004), 137–144. 
12th Int. Symp. “Animal Science Days”, Bled, Slovenia, Sept. 2–4, 2004. 
Original scientific article 
Izvirni znanstveni prispevek 
EFFECT OF SEX ON THE SHARE OF MAIN PARTS IN CARCASS AND TISSUES IN 
BREASTS OF TURKEYS 
Zoran ŠKRTIĆ a), Gordana KRALIK b), Zlata MALTAR c) and Zlata GAJČEVIĆ d) 
a) Josip Juraj Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Fac. of Agriculture, Dept. of Zootechnics, Trg svetog Trojstva 3, HR-
31000 Osijek, Croatia, Ass., M.Sc., e-mail: szoran@pfos.hr. 
b) Same address, Prof., Ph.D., Ph.D., D.h.c, M.Sc. 
c) Same address, Ass., M.Sc. 
d) Same address, Ass. 
ABSTRACT 
A research on the influence of turkey sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in 
breasts was carried out on 30 male and 30 female turkeys of heavy type Nicholas 700 
provenience. After a 19-week long fattening period, 10 turkeys from each group were randomly 
selected for research. Differences in weights of carcasses between males and females were 
statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Male turkeys had statistically heavier (P<0.001) breasts 
than females. However, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between males and 
females were observed in the portion of breasts in carcasses. Statistically highly significant 
differences (P<0.001) were observed in weights of thighs, drumsticks, wing drumsticks, wings 
and necks of males and females. When compared to female turkeys, males had statistically 
higher weights (P<0.001) of breast tissue. More favorable portion of muscles in breasts was 
noticed in females. Differences in portions of muscles in breasts between sexes were statistically 
highly significant (P<0.001).  
Key words: turkeys / meat / sex / carcass parts / breasts / muscular tissue 
VPLIV SPOLA NA DELEŽ GLAVNIH DELOV KLAVNEGA TRUPA IN TKIV V 
PRSIH PRI PURAH 
IZVLEČEK 
Vpliv spola na delež glavnih delov trupa in tkiv v prsih so proučevali na 30 puranih in 30 purah 
težkega tipa provenience Nicholas 700. Po 19 tednih pitanja je bilo iz vsake skupine naključno 
izbranih po 10 živali. Razlike v masi klavnih trupov med purani in purami so bile značilne 
(p<0,001). Purani so imeli značilno težja prsa (p<0,001) kot pure. Delež prsi v klavnem trupu se 
med purani in purami statistično ni razlikoval (p>0,05). Med purani in purami je bila ugotovljena 
tudi značilna razlika (p<0,001) v masi stegen, beder, krajcev peruti, perutnic in vratov. V 
primerjavi s purami so imeli purani značilno težja prsa (p<0,001). Bolj ugoden je bil delež mesa 
v prsih pri purah in se je med spoloma značilno razlikoval (p<0,001).  
Ključne besede: purani / meso / spol / klavni deli / prsi / mišično tkivo  
INTRODUCTION 
Turkeys are produced mainly because of their quality meat with high portion of proteins and 
low portion of fats. High portion of breasts in carcass is the most important characteristic of 
turkey production. Turkey breasts are known as a dietetic product, the production of which the 
heavy turkey type is especially convenient. The portion of main parts in carcasses and the 
portion of tissue in turkey breasts is the object of many researches, mainly because of the 
http://www.bfro.uni-lj.si/zoo/publikacije/zbornik/suplementi/index.htm
Acta agriculturae slovenica, suplement 1(avgust 2004). 
 
138 
economic and nutritional aspects (Brake et al., 1995; Ferket, 2003; Isguzar, 2003; Roberson et 
al., 2003; Veldkamp et al., 2003). Factors that influence the breast muscle share are age, weight, 
sex, provenience and feeding regime (Wood, 1989). The extent to which these factors can 
influence the breast muscle share depends on the temperature in their environment (Halvorson et 
al., 1991; Veldkamp et al., 2003). Average final weight of turkeys at the age of 18 weeks 
increases each year for 0.194 kg (Ferket, 2003). In comparison with other domestic animals, 
turkey sex has higher influence on the weight gain. At the end of the fattening process, male 
turkeys are significantly heavier than females. Females reach their final weight faster than males 
and have more fats in carcass (Leeson and Summers, 1980; Hurwitz et al., 1983). When 
considering the dressing percentage of carcasses in respect to sex, research of Hurwitz et al. 
(1983) did not show differences. Leeson and Summers (1980), and Brake et al. (1995) claimed 
that male carcasses had higher dressing percentage than female. Higher portions of drumsticks 
and of breasts are noticed in male turkeys by Leeson and Summers (1980). Zelenka et al. (2003) 
proved that the percentage of breast muscles in the carcass increases linearly (P<0.01) with 
ageing of birds of both sexes, while the increase of drumsticks with thighs does not correlate 
with ageing (P>0,05). The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of heavy hybrid 
turkey sexes to the share of main parts in carcass and to the share of tissue in breasts (muscular 
tissue, skin with fatty tissue and bones).  
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
This research included 30 male and 30 female turkeys of heavy hybrid Nicholas 700 
provenience. During the experiment, turkeys were fed with commercial forage mixtures 
(Table 1).  
After a 19-week-long fattening period, 10 turkeys of each group were randomly selected. 
After 12 hours without food, turkeys were slaughtered. For the purpose of this research, turkey 
carcasses were cut in a classic way, according to the Regulations on quality of poultry meat 
(Službeni list, No. 1/81 and No. 51/88). Carcasses were cut into main parts (breasts, thighs with 
drumsticks, wings, wing drumsticks, backs with pelvis and necks). Abdominal fat was carefully 
taken out of carcasses and weighted. Shares of main parts are shown in absolute (g) and relative 
(%) values in relation to carcass. Breasts were divided to muscular tissue, skin with 
subcutaneous fatty tissue and bones. Portion of tissue is shown in absolute (g) and relative (%) 
values in relation to breasts and carcass. Research results are shown as calculation of arithmetic 
means ( x ), standard deviation (s), standard error in the arithmetic means (s x ) and variation 
coefficient (Kv). Differences between males and females are determined by t-test at three 
significance levels (5% P<0.05, 1% P<0.01 and 0.1% P<0.001), using Statistica for Win 
v.6.0.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
Table 2 presents values of final weights, weights of cooled carcasses and main parts 
according to sexes. Male birds had 28.33% higher final weight than females. Differences in 
carcass weights between females and males were statistically highly significant (P<0.001). When 
compared to standard recommended by the Nicholas Company (http://www.nicholas-
turkey.com/include.asp?sec=505&con=888), for its hybrid (18.33 kg for male and 11.72 kg for 
female turkeys), lower values were obtained in this research, which can be explained by high 
temperatures and tropical conditions, which is in accordance with the literature. Negative effect 
of high temperatures on the final weights was pointed out by Halvorson et al. (1991), and 
particularly by Veldkamp et al. (2003), who stated that turkeys kept at 15 °C from 6th to 20th 
Škrtić, Z. et al. Effect of sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts of turkeys. 139
week of fattening reached the weight of 19.18 kg, while turkeys kept at 30 °C weighed 13,40 kg. 
Slightly higher weight of male and female turkeys (15.84 kg and 11.79 kg, respectively) was 
determined by Isguzar (2003). In the research of Roberson et al. (2003) turkeys reached the 
weight of 17.1 kg at the end of 18th week of fattening. Lehmann et al. (1996) investigated 
turkeys that weighed from 17.81 do 18.45 kg in the 20th fattening week. At the end of a 17-
week-long experiment of Noble et al. (1996), average weight of turkeys was from 13.70 to 14.52 
kg, while the experiment of Brenoe and Kolstad (2000) proved the weights of 13.06 kg for males 
and 9.57 kg for females. At the end of an 18-week long fattening period, turkeys used for 
research of Kidd et al. (1997) weighed from 11.68 kg to 12.76 kg.  
 
Table 1. Content of peleted forage mixtures fed from 1st to 133rd day  
 
Prestarter Starter Grower 1 Grower 2 Finisher  
Ingredients, % from 0 until 3rd 
weeks 
from 4th until 
6th week 
from 7th until 
9th week 
from10th until 
13th week 
from 14th week 
until end of 
fattening 
Corn 32.07 34.25 44.50 48.35 51.44 
Extruded soybean 20.64 25.13 21.39 16.23 22.41 
Soybean meal, 46% 29.19 19.26 13.94 16.24 11.61 
Fish meal, 64% 3.50 4.88 5.00 3.00 - 
Yeast, 52% 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 
Phosphonal 2.62 2.38 1.93 1.66 2.62 
Methionine 0.25 0.22 0.20 0.19 0.21 
Lysine 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.04 
Salt 0.22 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.20 
Lignobond (fixer) 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 
Ground limestone 3.00 2.66 0.94 1.09 0.47 
Premix 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 
Fat, BF 2.00 3.00 3.36 4.72 3.00 
Pigozen - 1.00 1.50 1.30 1.00 
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 
Calculative forage mixture composition 
Crude protein. % 28.00 26.00 23.50 21.50 19.50 
Fat, % 7.57 9.50 9.50 10.00 10.00 
Crude fibres, % 4.03 3.66 3.42 3.15 3.43 
Ash, % 9.55 9.82 7.46 6.83 6.22 
Lysine, % 1.85 1.75 1.70 1.45 1.45 
Methionine, % 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 
Triptophane, % 0.39 0.36 0.32 0.29 0.26 
Arginine. % 2.04 1.87 1.62 1.52 1.40 
Ca, % 1.40 1.30 1.20 1.10 1.05 
P utilised, % 0.63 0.61 0.54 0.45 0.55 
Na, % 0.15 0.16 0.17 0.17 0.17 
Linoleic acid, % 2.62 3.04 2.79 2.63 3.09 
ME MJ kg–1 11.91 12.33 12.75 13.17 13.20 
 
In our research, better dressing percentage was obtained in female turkeys (81.34±3.74%) 
than in male ones (79.96±1.58%), although these differences are not statistically relevant 
(P>0.05). Breasts of males were for 1164.9 g heavier than those of females (P<0.001). 
Statistically highly significant differences between sexes (P<0.001) are noticed also in weights of 
drumsticks, thighs, wing drumsticks and necks. When compared to females, males had 
statistically higher weights (P<0.01) of backs with pelvis, and statistically higher weight 
(P<0.05) of abdominal fats. Slightly higher average values of dressing percentage in carcass of 
male turkeys were determined by Lehmann et al., 1996 (83.56%–84.46%, having the weights of 
Acta agriculturae slovenica, suplement 1(avgust 2004). 
 
140 
liver, heart and stomach included) and Isguzar, 2003 (82.7% for females and 81.90% for males). 
Lower values for males (79.16%) were stated by Kidd et al. (1997). Weight of drumsticks and 
thighs in the research of Barbor and Lilburn (1996) was 1478.0 g and 1381.2 g. In the research of 
Kidd et al. (1997) and Veldkamp et al. (2003) breasts of males weighed on average 2766 g and 
3300 g, drumsticks 1699 g and 2050 g, thighs 1371 g and 1560 g, and wings 1155 g and 1310 g. 
In comparison to our research, Noble et al. (1996) determined less abdominal fat in male 
carcasses (136.7 g).  
 
Table 2. Final weights, weight of cooled carcass and its main parts, g (n=10) 
 
Indicator Statistical parameter Males Females 
Statistical 
significance 
Final weight 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
15173.30 
1017.16 
3.70 
321.65 
10874.70 
601.78 
5.53 
190.30 
*** 
Weight of cooled 
carcass 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
12136.50 
901.11 
7.42 
284.96 
8852.00 
731.19 
8.26 
231.22 
*** 
Breast 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
4467.70 
449.18 
10.05 
29.49 
3302.80 
339.78 
10.29 
107.45 
*** 
Drumsticks 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
1776.20 
104.33 
5.87 
32.99 
1323.50 
117.48 
8.88 
37.15 
*** 
Thighs  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
1522.20 
93.27 
3.13 
29.49 
986.10 
124.36 
12.61 
39.32 
*** 
Wing drumsticks  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
689.50 
47.98 
6.96 
15.17 
481.70 
36.67 
7.61 
11.60 
*** 
Wings  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
645.00 
39.78 
6.17 
12.58 
441.40 
44.66 
10.12 
14.13 
*** 
Back with pelvis  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
2336.00 
292.62 
12.53 
92.54 
1885.00 
250.48 
13.29 
79.21 
** 
Neck  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
531.50 
51.92 
9.77 
16.42 
297.40 
28.34 
9.53 
8.96 
*** 
Abdominal fat 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
168.40 
26.96 
16.01 
8.52 
134.10 
26.49 
19.76 
8.38 
* 
* P<0.05; ** P<0.01; *** P<0.001 
Škrtić, Z. et al. Effect of sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts of turkeys. 141
Figure 1 shows portions (in %) of main carcass parts according to sexes. Portion of breasts in 
female carcass was higher than in male (37.29%:36.77%, P>0.05). Male turkeys had statistically 
higher (P<0.001) portions of drumsticks and neck in carcass than females, while females had 
statistically higher (P<0.01) portion of back with pelvis than males. When compared to female 
turkeys, statistically higher portion of wings (P<0.05) was determined in male carcasses. Portion 
of abdominal fat was low both in males (1.38%) and in females (1.51%). Statistically significant 
differences in male and female carcasses (P>0.05) were not found in portions of thighs and wing 
drumsticks.  
 
 
*P<0.05; ** P<0.01; *** P<0.001; ns = non significant 
 
Figure 1. Portion of main parts in carcass, % (n=10). 
 
Lower portion of breasts in male carcasses (34.59%, 28.17% and 31.10%) and higher portion 
of drumsticks (16.62%, 17.36% and 19.30%) and thighs (12.94%, 13.98% and 14.70%) were 
noticed by Lehmann et al. (1996), Kidd et al. (1997) and Veldkamp et al. (2003). Portion of 
wings in the experiments of Kidd et al. (1997) and Veldkamp et al. (2003) was 11.78% and 
12.40%. In the researches of Lehmann et al. (1996) and Kidd et al. (1997), portion of abdominal 
fat in male carcasses was 1.77–2.34% and 2.12–2.50%. According to Brenoe and Kolstad 
(2000), portion of drumsticks, breasts and wings of live weight in males and females was 
18.46% and 17.09%; 20.77% and 20.16%; and 7.01% and 6.45%, respectively. Statistically 
significant difference (P<0.05) between sexes was determined only in portion of wings.  
Figure 2 presents weight of muscular tissue, skin with subcutaneous fatty tissue and bones in 
breasts of male and female turkeys. Males had on average 775.2 g or 28.64% more muscular 
tissue in breasts than females (3481.80 g: 2706.60 g). Determined differences were statistically 
highly significant (P<0.001). Weight of skin with subcutaneous fatty tissue and bones was also 
statistically higher (P<0.001) in males than in females. In the research of Barbor and Lilburn 
(1996), male turkey breasts, after an 18-week long fattening period, weighed on average 3954 g.  
 
*** 
n.s. 
n.s.
n.s. *
**
*** 
n.s.
0 
5 
10 
15 
20 
25 
30 
35 
40 
Breast Drumstics Thighs Wing
drumstics
Wings Back Neck Abdominal
fat
% 
Male
Female
Acta agriculturae slovenica, suplement 1(avgust 2004). 
 
142 
 
 
Figure 2. Weight of tissue in breasts, % (n=10). 
 
Portions of tissue in breasts and in carcasses (%) according to sexes of heavy turkey hybrid 
are shown in Table 3. Female turkeys had 3.93% higher share of muscular tissue than male 
(81.90%:77.97%), and the difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Almost one 
third of the whole female carcass was taken up by breast muscles (30.57%). Differences between 
sexes in relation to the portion of muscular tissue in carcass were statistically relevant (P<0.05). 
Portion of bones and skin with subcutaneous fatty tissue in breasts was statistically highly 
significant (P<0.001), i.e. statistically higher in male turkeys (P<0.01). Similar portion of breast 
muscles in male carcass (28.6%) was determined by Roberson et al. (2003), and higher one 
(from 30.62% to 31.79%) by Lehmann et al. (1996). Portion of skin with subcutaneous fatty 
tissue was higher in our research than in research carried out by Lehmann et al., 1996 (from 
2.80% to 3.04%). 
CONCLUSIONS 
The sex of heavy turkey type Nicholas 700 have significant effect on the share of main parts 
of carcass, and on the share of muscular tissue. This can be explained by the following 
conclusions:  
– After completion of fattening process, male turkeys had for 28.33% higher final weight 
than female turkeys (15173.3±1017.16 g : 10874.7±601.78 g). Differences in weights of 
carcasses between males and females were statistically highly significant (P<0.001). 
– Breasts of males were on average for 1164.9 g heavier than breasts of females (P<0.001; 
4467.7±449.18 g: 3302.8±339.78 g). However, differences in portions of breasts in carcass 
were not statistically significant (P>0.05), although female turkeys had slightly higher 
portion (37.29%:36.77%). 
– Statistically high differences (P<0.001) were also observed in weights of drumsticks, 
thighs, wing drumsticks, wings and necks between male and female turkeys.  
***
*** *** 
0 
500 
1000 
1500 
2000 
2500 
3000 
3500 
4000 
Muscles Skin with subcutaneous fatty
tissue
Bones 
W
ei
gh
t, 
g 
Male
Female
***P<0.001 
Škrtić, Z. et al. Effect of sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts of turkeys. 143
– Male turkeys had on average 775.2 g or 28.64% higher weight of muscular tissue when 
compared to females, and stated differences were statistically highly significant (P<0.001). 
– More favorable portion of muscular tissue in breasts was noticed in female turkeys. They 
had 3,93% higher portion of muscular tissue than male turkeys (81.90%:77.97%), and the 
difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). 
– Based on this research, it is recommended to produce male turkeys for further processing 
of meat, while the production of female turkeys is encouraged for their breasts.  
 
Table 3. Portions of tissue in breasts and in carcass, % (n=10). 
 
Tissues Statistical parameter Males Females 
Statistical 
significance 
Portions in breasts 
Muscles 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
77.97 
2.76 
3.55 
0.87 
81.90 
2.13 
2.60 
0.67 
 
** 
Skin and  
subcutaneous 
fatty tissue 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
10.02 
2.67 
26.67 
0.85 
7.47 
1.60 
21.46 
0.51 
 
** 
Bones 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
12.01 
0.74 
6.18 
0.23 
10.63 
0.72 
6.78 
0.23 
 
*** 
Portions of breasts in carcass 
Muscles  
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
28.67 
1.62 
5.66 
0.51 
30.57 
2.16 
7.07 
0.68 
 
* 
Skin and 
subcutaneous 
fatty tissue 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
3.69 
1.06 
28.61 
0.33 
2.77 
0.53 
19.01 
0.17 
 
* 
Bones 
x  
S 
Kv 
Sx 
4.41 
0.21 
4.65 
0.06 
3.95 
0.20 
5.16 
0.06 
 
*** 
* P<0.05; ** P<0.01; *** P<0.001 
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